> I've noticed that if you leave too much tension on dgrbrd winch cable or suspend dgrbrd from cable, cable seems to flatten at blocks and never really goes back to round. This can be the beginning of cable fraying. I would caution anyone resting dgrbrd off cable not to do this.
snip
Gang,
My keel cable is ruined, some blocks are ruined as they
aren't the proper kind for wire, and one block has been
cut 2/3rd's thru when the wire slipped off the sheve.
I was told by a gent who claims to have owned 12 sailboats
that the problem is STAINLESS STEEL cable, which flattens
and then does NOT re-twist. He recommends plain steel
cable, or for a WWP15 or 19 1/4" Yale Lite (2500# breaking
strength) which will stretch some initially (but since
your keel should not be left hanging will only be under
stress for minutes). He claims he has done this and I am
going to try it. As soon as I can find time, I am
installing double blocks at the keel and above, which will
reduce the load accordingly. Should also make it easier
to raise and lower keel. I'll let everyone know how it
operates.
Ted Duke
WWPs19 #626
Rainy, chilly Mountains of Virginia
Why doe's the sun only shine when I'm out of town?